BBC launches activists networking site

The BBC has done a world first - developed and launched an activist networking and support web site funded by a major Government institution.

Social change web sites started as info sites, often publishing material not available elsewhere, like mcspotlight.org or UK Friend of the Earth's online maps of polluting factories (by our own Rob Atkinson).

Netday 96 and a host of other sites then showed us how web sites could be organising tools.

Government-funded info sites followed; our own CommunityBuilders.NSW is said to be one of the world's 10 best e-public sites.

But 'organising sites' have been the province of specific activist organisations - until now.

For the first time an organisation with vast resources - the BBC - has invested in a general activist networking web site. Called iCan, it's designed to:

"help people start doing something about issues in their life. You can find advice, inspiration, and a growing number of people able to help you."

This is a major step for civil society, let alone Government (albeit through a semi-autonomous broadcasting arm).

I believe that one of the key challenges facing progressives today is to build (or rebuild, if you're a follower of Robert Puttnam) the link between government and a sense of civic engagement. Part of that project is to develop an appreciation of Government as the means by which we act together, as a community, to achieve our social objectives.

Well ... there's a lot more to that discussion.

But the BBC iCan site is a tangible example of the sort of role Government itself can and should be playing. It shows an understanding that community activism is a central and vital part of the big picture of developing a fairer and better world. I.e. it's not an irritation to be blocked as often as possible - which seems to be the kneejerk reaction of so many governments.

You should join up at iCan, watch its evolution, and take some ideas for here.

iCan is still in 'beta' form, with a launch planned for 3 November 2003.

For further comment check out Steven Clift's thoughtful review at http://www.mail-archive.com/do-wire@lists.umn.edu/msg00081.html